‘We’ve been here for 33 years’: Milwaukee Co. Zoo exhibit set to close

MILWAUKEE — For the past three decades, the seal and sea lion show has been going strong at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

The beloved attraction is set to conclude this weekend.

“I feel extremely sad,” said Shelley Ballmann, founder of Ocean Connections. “We’ve been here for 33 years.”

Ballmann, whose journey began as a dolphin trainer in 1987, has evolved her passion, kick-starting Ocean of Fun in 1991, ultimately transforming it into Ocean Connections in 2018.

“We pride ourselves in the work that we do with rescue animals and providing forever homes to seals and sea lions that would not make it out in the wild today,” said Ballmann.

The departure, Shelley insists, is not a choice but a necessity, driven by the urgent need to repair the zoo’s pool because of a leak, directly affecting the welfare of the animals.

“It’s an old pool,” said Ballmann. “It is 37 years old, and it needs some renovation. It needs some updates and we’re very hopeful that the zoo is going to take that on and make some improvements, but meanwhile for the welfare of the animals, it is time for them to travel.”

All the finned performers will soon find new homes at sister facilities with three headed to Hershey Park, Pennsylvania and one reuniting with an old friend at Myrtle Beach.

“Our goal is to make a difference in animals’ lives but also in peoples’ lives, so the reach we have within this community is really powerful,” said Ballmann.

Even in its departure, Ocean Connections has left an indelible mark on Milwaukee. Families like the Boelks, driving from Rockford, Illinois, for one last aquatic show, value the emotional connection forged over the years.

“I was like we’re going to make it for this last weekend,” said Angela Boelk.

Boelk reflects on the seal and sea lion shows that shaped her childhood, memories she’s passing down to her own children.

“Your inspiration and your dedication and your love only grows for things you know and things you’re taught, so I wanted them to have the opportunity to fall in love with something I fell in love with,” said Boelk.

Though Ocean Connections is leaving Milwaukee, Ballmann is happy with the educational impact on the community.

“The difference we made in this community educationally has been seen, has been felt and we hear it,” said Ballmann.